The Newcastle fans behind the AshleyOut protest group have released a strongly-worded statement responding to the latest development in the takeover – urging the Magpies owner to sell “as quickly as possible” or risk losing a “once-in-a-lifetime” chance to progress.

Mike Ashley pulled the plug on negotiations with Amanda Staveley on Tuesday night, accusing her of wasting his time in a strongly-worded statement that revealed that he felt trying to negotiate with her was “exhausting” and had not prompted a fresh bid.

Supporters reacted with anger and frustration that one possible alternative to Ashley’s continued ownership had been blocked off with some warning that it could precede fresh protests at the ground.

The group behind the AshleyOut protests – who have been quiet during Rafa Benitez’s tenure – have called for him to move aside and allow someone to “fulfil the club to its former glory”.

AshleyOut protesters

AshleyOut were part of an umbrella group of protests that saw the Tottenham match boycotted and visible and voluble protests at his ownership. There is no suggestion of a return to those days while Benitez is in charge, but they have offered a reminder that there remains discontent at St James’ Park.

In a statement released to ChronicleLive, they said: “We are bitterly disappointed to hear that the prospect of deal between Mike Ashley and Amanda Stavely/PCP is now ‘off’, while we couldn’t know what the future would hold under new ownership it really is time for a change.

“In a bid to give the club – in particular Rafa Benitez and our players – full support in what was a tough promotion last season, and an even tougher effort to stay up this season, we have remained quiet with regards to Mike Ashley’s gross incompetence at running our club.

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“Despite how fortunate we are to have a manager and a person the calibre of Rafa Benitez in charge at St. James’ Park, we are suffering yet another year of Ashley-imposed austerity. This cannot continue.

“‘The club can never go anywhere under Mike Ashley - I promise you that’” – Kevin Keegan.

“Almost a decade after being found to deliberately lie and mislead us in the Keegan tribunal, Ashley publicly announced the truth – he is “nowhere near wealthy enough” to enable Newcastle United to fulfil its phenomenal potential. In Ashley’s own words, Benitez is ‘not getting enough’ money to build a capable side. Mike Ashley is not and never will be the right person to achieve success with Newcastle.

Mike Ashley (Image: Getty Images Europe)

“Three times he’s tried to sell the club, three times he’s now failed, two relegations and a big chance of a third relegation now.

“Mike Ashley’s legacy of NUFC is of false dawns, constant transfer failures and failure off-the-field while football’s coffers have ballooned to astronomical levels.

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“Mike Ashley seems to think that he can sell Newcastle for a large profit from his original investment while the current squad of players is actually worth less than the squad he inherited 10 years ago despite the massive inflation of transfer fees and increase in TV revenue.

“We strongly urge Mike Ashley to put his interests of Sports Direct aside and that he find the best deal he can for both the club and himself as quickly as possible.

“This is arguably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Newcastle United Football Club, somehow we have Rafa Benitez, this opportunity to restore the club to its former glory with the best manager we could possibly get cannot be allowed to fade away.